“And we’re hungry and frozen / some life that we’ve chosen / How we gonna pay last year’s RENT?”
Imagine the gritty-but-feisty New York in the 80s and 90s. Imagine a group of young adults trying to navigate poverty, the loss of love, the discovery of romance, and the pursuit of their dreams in the city. Now imagine them yearning to truly seize the day–with the constant shadow of HIV/AIDS looming over them. You might think that the moment has passed for the Broadway musical, RENT. But it remains as powerful as when it was first staged in 1993. Thankfully, 9 Works Theatrical is mounting its much-anticipated revival this April in celebration of its 15th Anniversary. With its incredible storytelling, combined with its award-winning cast and crew, you can be sure to remember the story RENT tells for years to come.
RENT—possibly the most popular rock musical conveying the story of our times—churns out a powerful narrative of friendship, representation, reality, impact and connection.
A story of friendship. Mark, a filmmaker, documents the lives of his friends, including Roger, a musician struggling with his past; Mimi, a dancer fighting illness and addiction; Tom Collins, a professor and activist; and Angel, a drag queen with a pure heart. Through their intertwined lives, from the most delightful to the most terrifying moments, we see the complexities of love, compassion, art, and adulthood.
A story of representation. RENT features a diverse cast of characters. From ethnicities and sexual orientation, to socioeconomic backgrounds, it’s a show that captures the richness of modern life. RENT’s characters are fleshed out with their own unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives–and in watching, you will no doubt recognize yourself.
A story of reality. RENT doesn’t shy away from talking about dark, ugly things like poverty, oppression, disease. From then til now, it sparks meaningful conversations about LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare, and even gentrification. It talks about death and loss and regret. RENT is brave in shining the spotlight on these pressing issues, and forcing you to reexamine your own values and beliefs.
A story of hope. At the heart of RENT is hope. It celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and how love, friendship, and art can transform you. The musical is inspiring without being didactic; through its memorable music and unforgettable characters, we are reminded to believe in ourselves, to pursue our passions, and to stand up for what we believe in.
A story of impact. Beyond what you see onstage, RENT has had a profound influence on popular culture. Jonathan Larson’s work has helped shape the landscape of modern musical theater. It features a diverse range of musical styles (think rock and pop to soul and gospel). And its music? Still iconic. Songs like “Seasons of Love”, “La Vie Bohème,” and “Light My Candle” will leave you singing along.
A story of connection. Watching this rock musical will make you feel a sense of connection and community that is comforting and empowering. At the end of the day, RENT’s relatable characters and themes will give you a chance to see yourself reflected on stage. Mark, Mimi, Tom, Angel–they’re your friends. You’re in the Big Apple. And you’re dying to live, and dreading to die, all at once.
RENT is directed by Robbie Guevara, with Daniel Bartolome as musical director, Mio Infante as scenographer, PJ Rebullida as choreographer, Shakira Villa-Symes as lighting designer, Joee Mejias as video designer, Bam Tiongson as sound designer, Dong Calingacion as technical director, Elliza Aurelio as FOH, hair and makeup head, Cathy Azanza-Dy as acting coach, Lionel Guico as vocal coach, and JV Rabano as photographer.
Heading the production team is executive producer Santi Santamaria, with Anna Santamaria as operations & finance director, Charyl De Guzman as production manager, Jonjon Martin as PR manager, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, Jenna Macalagay as marketing & social media manager, Reine Bantang as marketing & PR supervisor, and Arma Bonilla as stage manager.
Tickets are now available via ticket2me.net. Grab yours while you can!
RENT will be showing from April 19, 2024 until the first weekend of June 2024, at 3:00pm & 8:00pm on Saturdays & Sundays, and 8:00pm on Fridays, at the CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati.
For partnerships & ticket/ show buying inquiries, you may reach us via info@9workstheatrical.com, 7586 7105 or 0917 554 5560.
